Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Waco is 21% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,098/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 24%
$51,468/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 22%
$199,600 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 34%
$1,094/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 20%
141,925
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $11,321/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Waco or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and North Charleston?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or North Charleston?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $11,321/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands